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Dubai Duty Free Sales at Dubai Duty Free continued their upward trend in the first quarter of 2006 as turnover reached Dh571 million (US$159 million) representing a 12 per cent increase over the same period last year and paving the way for a new record year. Commenting on the first quarter figures, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said, "We have had a busy first few months of the year and are pleased to see that our sales reflect that. We have undertaken a series of renovations in the past few weeks and have more planned in the coming months, all of which will improve the retail offer further." GREATER TRAFFIC FLOW AND NEW PLANS Passenger numbers increased by +14.4 per cent in the first quarter to 6.9 million, while aircraft movements were up by +10.2 per cent. Passenger numbers have grown by +17.1 per cent in January, +10.9 per cent in February and by +14.8 per cent in March. The retailer is well advanced in the plans to use 8,000-10,000sq m of space in the new Concourse 2 that will open in early 2007. The Concourse will be dedicated to fast-expanding national carrier Emirates. Additionally a further 1,400sq m of retail space is being planned for T2. And in Concourse 3 that will handle the A-380, another 5.000sq m of retail is planned. That facility should open in 2009. Most significantly, Dubai Duty Free will also run the retail at Jebel Ali International Airport that is expected to operate its first flights by the end of 2007. These will initially be executive jet and freight services and possibly some tow cost carriers but in time it will become a major scheduled services international airport. Dubai Duty Free will open around 2,500sq ft of retail initially, growing later in line with the airport.
(Source - Retail News: Middle East & Africa June 2006)
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